Soak It All In

Last month, my son, Nathan, played in his first college football game, and it’s a day that will forever be etched in our family’s memory. The excitement, the pride, and the rush of emotions were almost overwhelming as we watched him step onto the field for the first time. But what stood out to me most wasn’t the game itself; it was a conversation I had with Nathan afterward.

When I asked him what the best part of the day was, he shared two moments that made a lasting impact on him. First, he said one of his teammates reminded him before the game to pause, look around, and soak it all in. His teammate said, “This is a cool experience you shouldn’t take for granted.” And Nathan did just that. He said as he stood on the field, the noise of the crowd, the energy of the stadium, and the fact that he was part of this bigger moment struck him. It was surreal to stand there, realizing that all of his hard work had brought him to that moment.

The second moment was as he walked off the field after the game. He was humbled by the kids who ran up to give him high-fives, and a couple even followed him, asking if they could “touch his helmet.” Nathan said he remembered being that age and wanting to do the same thing, and now he was on the other side of that experience. It was a full-circle moment for him, one that made him appreciate the journey.

Nathan’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perspective—not just for athletes, but for all of us, especially as teachers. In our daily routines, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to pause, look around, and appreciate where we are. Every day in the classroom is filled with moments that we shouldn’t take for granted. Whether it’s a small breakthrough with a struggling student or the simple connection made during a conversation, these are moments that matter. Like Nathan on the football field, we need to remember to take it all in, because these moments define our teaching experiences and our students’ learning journeys.

And just like those kids who looked up to Nathan, our students look to us for guidance, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. We might not always realize it, but we’re constantly creating those “high-five” moments in the classroom—those experiences that stay with them long after they’ve left our rooms.

So, take a moment today, pause, and soak it in. Appreciate the role you play in your students’ lives, and never let these moments pass you by. You are on the field with them every day, making memories that last a lifetime.